Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1887-01-27
Anus, nents.
DAMON AND pHrIlIAS.

'ASfoN hNb
The above drama, as presented at courl
house hall last FRIDAY and Saturday even
ings, was pronounced by all who Witnessed
II the best that has ever been rendered in
this city, either BY home talent or by pro.
iessionals. The high moral tone OF tn,
play is such as to commend it to any com.
munity, as the characters are all 50 noble,
true and strong rs to rivet the attention
and command the admiration of the entir,
audience. Prot. Gibney and his wife have
no equals in the west in their chosen pro.
fession, TO which they are thoroughly de
voted In the character .ot Damon MIR
Gioney challenges the best actors on the
American stage, while ne Calanthe Mrs
Gioney is charming and captiyales her
hearers. They were exceedingly iorlu
nate in the selection OF characters for the
other roles OF the play in Audubon, Mr.
Wheatley sustained the character of Ply
thias in the same creditable manner it,
which he always appears on the stage.
Ills conception OF that character 10 worthy
OF one who has made the role study OF
years, and when II is remembered that he
made preparations in a week we think the
fullest measure of credit should not be
withheld. However, he has appeared so
well In such varied characters that Audi.
bon audiences are not surprised at his ex'
eellent appearance in a new role. l. ID.
Phelps first appearance before the public
was in the difficult character OF Diony sius,
from which he acquitted himself with high
honors, and the sincere plaudits of well
done. The hautier aud pomp Of the king
and tyrant were assumed to perfection,
while the lettering step and shril voice OF
the disguised king when he enters the
prison walls wherein Pythias Is confined,
made the change so complete that both
Mr., Phelps and Diony.ius were entirely
lost in the disguise. This appearance
clearly proves Mr., Phelps entitled to the
honor OF the leading role in Rip Van Win.
kle, should theconpany choose TO present
it at future day, Miss Nellie Willis, OF
Perry, as Harmon, performed well, and
received the thanks OF the local company
tor her assistance. Ed Dclshoyde appeared
as Lucullus and Philisuus, The latter
character had been assigned to another
gentleman, who was unable TO meet his
engagement, and on the last day II was
given to Mr., Delahoyde, but notwthstand
ing the double burden thrust upon him by
unforeseen circumstances, he carried the
parts admirably, especially the former,
wherein he evidenced all the solicitation
and earncstness becoming TO that character,
Mr.. Albert was likewise assigned the part
of Procles ut the last hour, but suffice Il to
say that the play did not suffer on that nc.
count. or the numerous minor roles we
have not space to make special mention,
but they all proved the wisdom and judg-
ment OF Prof Gibncy IN casting the char.
acters. The play was the strongest and
was the best rendered, ever presented to
an Audubon audience, and its equal will
not be produced In years to come Contain
ing, rs it does, such strong, intense and
ennobling characters, ands 10 many elements
that make the pure and ehaste drama sub
lime, II should have commanded lucrative
patronage, but It was n notable fact that
on neither occasion was there paying
audience. The audiences. though not
demonstralivc, were appfeeiative and at.
tentive. Although the audience Of Satur-
day evening was not larger than It's prede.
cessor the actors gave much better rem.
dition OF the play. Without encouragement
they entered into the genius ct the char.
acters with incrrased zest and In no case
was II more marked than in those OF MIR.
and Mrs. Gibncy. Calanthe, on Saturday
evening, was represented to perfection,
aud In the hast scene the frenzy Of AN anx'
i,us heart was 30 iorcibly portrayed
as 10 entitle the lady TO the highest honors
as an actress. The audience was enter.
tanned before the curtain was raised and
between the acts BY selections on the piano
by Miss Mamie Richard. One great merit
OF the play was the promptness with which
il was presented, but dilatoriness would
have been borne with pleasure with such
entertainment "a Miss Richard furnished.
She Is an accomplished pianist
EAST LYNNE.
Since writing the above We are informed
that Prof Gibney will return next week,
and under the auspices Of the Stotts Com.
bInation, will play East Lynne on Friday
evening, Feb. 4th, at the court house.
This is a charming play of pure sentiment,
and should draw full house. II will al
ford another opportunity for Audubon
people to hear Prof. and Mrs. Gibney, and
one which those who have already heard
them will be quick to improve.